Management of separate keys for every single door becomes a complex issue as the business grows, therefore owners, property managers, supervisors, maintenance staff and cleaners require different levels of access across the property.

A commercial master key system is the way how such a variety of access is organized into a structure. Special keys allow opening a few locks and some others can open an individual office or departmental room.

Use of master key systems is widespread in office buildings, schools, warehouses, apartments, hotels, hospitals, retail centers, and industrial buildings.

How Commercial Master Keys Work

Usually standard lock functions with a specific key, however a master key system is designed in such a way that the internal parts of several compatible locks would accept multiple authorized keys, for example:

• An employee key can unlock one office door.

• A department key can unlock every door in that particular department.

• A manager key can unlock several departmental offices.

• A master key can unlock most or all designated doors. 

Additional master key system layers may include sub master and grandmaster keys, it really depends on the business staff architecture and job responsibilities of each key user.

Advantages of a Master Key System

Apart from convenience, which involves the ability of the owner or manager to unlock several doors without carrying a huge set of keys, the greatest advantage of the master key system lies in the controlled access.

Each individual is only granted access to those places where their work requires them to go. For instance, an employee can unlock doors to the main office and the break room, but cannot get into the cash office, the server room, the stockroom, or the management office. This allows for the protection of sensitive places while still enabling the employees to fulfill their duties.

A master key system could help in responding effectively during emergencies. Authorized individuals will be able to access rooms quickly in cases of fire outbreak, plumbing leak, mechanical problems, medical emergencies, or security incidences.

Accurate record keeping will enable you to establish which individuals have access to different areas of the property.

Access Permission Planning

Master keys should be well planned before the locks get rekeyed. Typically, a commercial locksmith will consider several factors such as:

• Building layout

• Number of doors

• Duties and responsibilities of each individual

• Departmental organization

• Restricted areas

• After hours access needs

• Vendor and contractor access needs

• Planned expansions in the future 

It is important to plan the master key system well since altering the hierarchy would require rekeying multiple doors.

Additionally, business owners should minimize the issuance of master keys due to the higher risks associated with such a key in case of loss, theft, or duplication.

Restricted Key Master Systems

Traditionally, master keys can be copied even without authorization since they use the common key blanks. However, businesses may go for restricted key systems for more controlled access.

Restricted keys cannot be purchased easily since they are available through authorized locksmiths. Duplication requires one to identify himself, present an authorization card, or permission letter from the registered account holder.

It reduces the risks of unauthorized individuals duplicating master keys. High security restricted cylinders are resistant to lock picking, drilling, key bumping, and other forms of attacks.

Rekeying Existing Commercial Locks

A wide range of standard commercial locks can be integrated into a master key system without replacing the entire lock, in the process of lock rekey, the locksmith alters the pins or components inside the cylinders to work based on the new key hierarchy. Then the new keys will be generated for each access level.

Lock rekey is absolutely necessary after:

• Moving into a new building

• Change of property management

• Loss of keys

• Turnover in employees

• Restructuring of departments

• Acquisition of commercial property

Damaged, incompatible, and highly worn out locks may require replacement before incorporating into the master key system.

Maintaining Key Control Records

A master key system should always be supported by proper key control mechanisms, that’s why all issued keys should be numbered and assigned to particular employees, managers, vendors or contractors.

Records will include the date issued, access level and date of return, all employees will sign for keys and surrender them in case of change of position or termination of employment.

Master keys and spares should be kept in a locked cabinet or safe. Keys should not be labeled with the address or the business name.

Professional Master Key Services

A commercial locksmith technician will help you design, install, rekey, expand, and maintain a master key system that fits your commercial property.

With proper planning, your business will be able to simplify access needs while ensuring proper protection of the restricted rooms and valuable possessions.